NU Library Newsletter
Spring Semester, January 2025
“Always remember that where you are is a result of who you were, but where you go depends entirely on who you choose to be, from this moment on.”
— Hal Elrod
Hello everyone!
We're thrilled to share the first edition of our library newsletter for 2025! This issue includes FAQs and the latest library updates.
As you settle into the spring semester, remember that the library offers excellent collections to support your studies and a peaceful environment for focused work. Don't forget the invaluable assistance our librarians provide. If you're struggling with research, just stop by and ask for help!
Don't miss the new coffee station and printing services conveniently located on the first floor of Block 5!
Textbook Issuance ends this week. Starting Monday, January 27, you can take textbooks outside the course reserve under regular conditions. Ask our librarians for help!
As you settle into the spring semester, remember that the library offers excellent collections to support your studies and a peaceful environment for focused work. Don't forget the invaluable assistance our librarians provide. If you're struggling with research, just stop by and ask for help!
Don't miss the new coffee station and printing services conveniently located on the first floor of Block 5!
Textbook Issuance ends this week. Starting Monday, January 27, you can take textbooks outside the course reserve under regular conditions. Ask our librarians for help!
FAQ: Do I need to renew textbooks?
Textbooks are issued until the end of the semester, so there is no need to renew them. Enjoy your studies, and remember to return them in May.
Textbooks are issued until the end of the semester, so there is no need to renew them. Enjoy your studies, and remember to return them in May.
What's on
Our weekly library sessions are designed to help you enhance your research skills, whether it’s finding and evaluating the best sources or using them effectively for your projects and assignments. Each session includes tips on searching the library and the internet, identifying reliable information, and maximizing the use of the library’s excellent resources.
Check out the library calendar for more details on these sessions and other upcoming library events, and sign up today!
Check out the library calendar for more details on these sessions and other upcoming library events, and sign up today!
FAQs: Due to a conflict in my study schedule, I can not attend the library session. Can I have a personal consultation instead?
You are welcome to book an appointment or stop by our offices on Floor 3, Block 5e for quick help or a more in-depth overview.
You are welcome to book an appointment or stop by our offices on Floor 3, Block 5e for quick help or a more in-depth overview.
Trial Access to ProQuest One Academic
We are excited to offer trial access to ProQuest One Academic, a comprehensive research platform that provides access to scholarly journals, ebooks, dissertations, news, and videos across various disciplines. Don't miss this opportunity to explore premium academic content!
Available from: 27 January – 26 February 2024
ProQuest One Academic offers barrier-free access to essential research materials in a unified platform. It includes:
Access link: ProQuest One Academic
Available from: 27 January – 26 February 2024
ProQuest One Academic offers barrier-free access to essential research materials in a unified platform. It includes:
- ProQuest Central – Scholarly journals and news sources
- Academic Video Online – Extensive video content for research and learning
- Academic Complete – A comprehensive ebook collection
- ProQuest Dissertations & Theses – In-depth scholarly research
Access link: ProQuest One Academic
We encourage you to explore this resource and share your feedback with us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Happy researching!
Happy researching!
FAQ: What are the differences between Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus?
Understanding the differences between these tools can help you choose the right one for your academic needs.
Understanding the differences between these tools can help you choose the right one for your academic needs.
- Indexing: Web of Science and Scopus include a curated selection of high-quality, predominantly English journals. Google Scholar is more inclusive but less selective.
- Citation Counts: Differences in journal coverage result in varying citation metrics such as journal impact factors and author H-indexes. Google Scholar often reports higher citation counts.
- Peer Review: Journals indexed in Web of Science and Scopus are typically peer-reviewed, with quality determined by strict metrics. Google Scholar includes a broader range of sources, which may not always be peer-reviewed.
- Search Functionality: Google Scholar searches the full text of articles but offers fewer options to refine results, potentially leading to less relevant outcomes. Web of Science and Scopus focus on titles and abstracts, with more advanced filtering options.
- Metadata Standardization: Web of Science and Scopus provide standardized metadata (e.g., titles, dates, citations). Google Scholar's metadata varies based on how publishers index their content.
Tools to Support Your Research
Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote are widely used reference management tools that help researchers organize, cite, and share their research materials.
Zotero
Mendeley
EndNote
Best For: Researchers seeking a user-friendly, flexible tool with robust integration features.
Best For: Researchers focused on sharing and networking, particularly in STEM fields.
Best For: Professionals and academics requiring advanced features for managing large-scale research projects.
Each tool has its unique strengths, and the choice often depends on your specific research needs, budget, and preferences. A shared benefit: better reference management, accurate citations, and avoiding unintentional plagiarism.
For detailed information about these reference managers, visit our LibGuide.
For detailed information about these reference managers, visit our LibGuide.
FAQ: Am I plagiarizing?
As you navigate your academic journey, it’s normal to feel concerned about challenges like plagiarism or understanding ethical authorship principles. Plagiarism occurs when you use someone else’s ideas or words without proper credit, presenting them as your own. Recognizing this is a crucial step toward maintaining integrity in your work.
Common types of plagiarism include:
As you navigate your academic journey, it’s normal to feel concerned about challenges like plagiarism or understanding ethical authorship principles. Plagiarism occurs when you use someone else’s ideas or words without proper credit, presenting them as your own. Recognizing this is a crucial step toward maintaining integrity in your work.
Common types of plagiarism include:
- Direct plagiarism
- "Patchwork" plagiarism
- Insufficient citation of partial quotations
- Paraphrasing (or summarizing) without citing sources
- Insufficient citation of paraphrases or summaries
- Plagiarism of graphs, charts, figures, or images
- Misinterpreting material as "common knowledge"
Check out the sessions and workshops scheduled this month for the NU community on advancing research. The dedicated Library Research Support Office is also available: email us at lrso@nu.edu.kz or visit us in the Library (Floor 3, Block 5e).
Remember, library guides are available 24/7! Explore our LibGuides collection here.
Remember, library guides are available 24/7! Explore our LibGuides collection here.
Open Access at NU: A Snapshot of Engagement and Impact –
October 2024
October 2024
Celebrating Literary Legends
Let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible voices that have shaped our world through their writings! As we embrace the new year, we’re excited to highlight the birthdays of amazing authors born in January. Their works continue to inspire so many readers, and reflecting on their contributions can truly enhance our love for literature. These talented authors have left a lasting impact on the literary world. We invite you to join us in honoring their legacies and, who knows, you might just discover a wonderful new book to enjoy in their honor!
Book Recommendation
As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect and set new goals. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, motivation, or a fresh perspective, the right book can be a great source of inspiration. Here are some recommendations to kickstart your year and ignite your creative spark.
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
The Miracle Morning is the fastest way to wake up every day and create the life you’ve always wanted (even if you’re not a morning person). This transformative book introduces a simple morning routine designed to help you maximize your potential and create positive change in your life. Elrod’s method, known as the "SAVERS" routine, incorporates six key practices: Silence (meditation), Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing (journaling). By dedicating just an hour each morning to these practices, readers can experience improvements in productivity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your career, enhance your relationships, or simply bring more positivity into your day, The Miracle Morning provides practical tools and real-life success stories to motivate you to take action.
Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
The Miracle Morning is the fastest way to wake up every day and create the life you’ve always wanted (even if you’re not a morning person). This transformative book introduces a simple morning routine designed to help you maximize your potential and create positive change in your life. Elrod’s method, known as the "SAVERS" routine, incorporates six key practices: Silence (meditation), Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing (journaling). By dedicating just an hour each morning to these practices, readers can experience improvements in productivity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your career, enhance your relationships, or simply bring more positivity into your day, The Miracle Morning provides practical tools and real-life success stories to motivate you to take action.
Some quotes from the book:
Find it in the Library!
- “Discipline creates a lifestyle.”
- “Remember, the moment you accept total responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you claim the power to change anything in your life.”
- “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development because success is something you attract by the person you become".
Find it in the Library!
One of our favorite book quotes of the season.
“
Being who you need to be and doing what you need to do are prerequisites for having what you want to have.
Dear NURIA…
Dear NURIA,
As the second semester begins, I am determined to improve my research projects. My professor emphasizes the importance of focusing on the thesis and main arguments. However, I often find it challenging to keep my paragraphs concise and effective. I tend to spend a lot of time searching for information on the internet, which sometimes makes it difficult to focus and gather all the necessary data. I often feel lost and struggle to construct a thesis that is both original and persuasive. Could you recommend some literature to help me enhance my writing skills? I would greatly appreciate your assistance.
— Beksultan
As the second semester begins, I am determined to improve my research projects. My professor emphasizes the importance of focusing on the thesis and main arguments. However, I often find it challenging to keep my paragraphs concise and effective. I tend to spend a lot of time searching for information on the internet, which sometimes makes it difficult to focus and gather all the necessary data. I often feel lost and struggle to construct a thesis that is both original and persuasive. Could you recommend some literature to help me enhance my writing skills? I would greatly appreciate your assistance.
— Beksultan
Beksultan
NU Student
Dear Beksultan,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your goals for the second semester. It’s great to see your commitment to improving your research projects and academic writing skills.
To help you enhance your writing, I recommend starting with Trevor Day’s Success in Academic Writing. This book offers practical advice on crafting strong theses, structuring arguments, and improving clarity and coherence. Another excellent resource is They Say/I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein, which focuses on developing persuasive and original arguments.
Additionally, consider exploring online courses or workshops on academic writing, such as those offered on platforms like Coursera or edX. These can provide structured guidance and practice opportunities.
I hope these resources are helpful, and I’m confident they’ll support your efforts to improve your research projects. If you have further questions or need additional recommendations, feel free to reach out.
Hope this helps!
Beyond books,
NURIA
NURIA
Your Librarian
Looking for some advice?
Ask and NURIA will try to respond.
Send your questions via email to library@nu.edu.kz
(Subject: Dear NURIA).
The library will publish at least 1 question per month.
FAQ: Is NURIA a bot?
NURIA is a generative name for the Q&A with the library in chat, email, and in-person consultations. It performs as a chatbot on weekday mornings. You may notice that the conversation is not GPT-like, as NURIA is trained based on existing FAQs. So, it will not suggest books or articles on the topic in Primo. But will help with library hours, service advice, and direction.
If there is no answer to your questions, you can submit a ticket at library@nu.edu.kz, book a virtual appointment, or stop by our offices on Floor 3, Block 5e.
NURIA is a generative name for the Q&A with the library in chat, email, and in-person consultations. It performs as a chatbot on weekday mornings. You may notice that the conversation is not GPT-like, as NURIA is trained based on existing FAQs. So, it will not suggest books or articles on the topic in Primo. But will help with library hours, service advice, and direction.
If there is no answer to your questions, you can submit a ticket at library@nu.edu.kz, book a virtual appointment, or stop by our offices on Floor 3, Block 5e.
Library Recent Events
"Attending the “My Favourite Author, My Favourite Book” event at NU School of Medicine (NU SoM) was a highly enriching and enjoyable experience. It provided me with a wonderful opportunity to share my passion for literature and the authors who have inspired me. The event not only highlighted the power of storytelling but also fostered a sense of community among like-minded book lovers. Anara Mendygaliyeva, a librarian at NU SoM, played a pivotal role in organizing this event. The atmosphere of the event was always friendly and warm, and captivating conversations between students flowed over a cup of tea. Anara facilitated insightful discussions, encouraging NU SoM students to share their personal connections with their favourite books. Also, her organisational skills, kindness, and enthusiasm ensured that the event was enjoyable and inspiring, leaving attendees with a renewed love for reading and a deeper appreciation for the literary world. I highly recommend attending this library event and would like to thank Ms. Mendygaliyeva for organizing it so well!"
Zhandos Salpynov
3rd year PhD candidate in Global Health
Housekeeping
Library Schedule
Main Library
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 7:45 PM
Sat - Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Balcony
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sat - Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
School of Medicine Library
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 7:45 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Sun: No service at the Information Desk
Soft Furniture in the Second-Floor Atrium
We are excited to announce the addition of soft furniture in the second-floor atrium of the library! This lounge area offers a comfortable space for relaxation or quiet reading, creating a welcoming environment for all members of the NU community. Please note that this space is intended for relaxation and reading, not for sleeping.
Forgotten Items in the Library
We kindly remind our patrons not to leave personal items unattended for more than an hour in any room. Any item left for longer than an hour may be moved to Lost & Found. The library is not responsible for lost belongings. If you’ve misplaced something, please visit our Lost and Found at the information desk or contact the university's main Lost & Found bureau. Let’s work together to keep the library tidy and ensure that all items are returned to their rightful owners!
Main Library
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 7:45 PM
Sat - Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Balcony
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sat - Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
School of Medicine Library
Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 7:45 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM - 6:45 PM
Sun: No service at the Information Desk
Soft Furniture in the Second-Floor Atrium
We are excited to announce the addition of soft furniture in the second-floor atrium of the library! This lounge area offers a comfortable space for relaxation or quiet reading, creating a welcoming environment for all members of the NU community. Please note that this space is intended for relaxation and reading, not for sleeping.
Forgotten Items in the Library
We kindly remind our patrons not to leave personal items unattended for more than an hour in any room. Any item left for longer than an hour may be moved to Lost & Found. The library is not responsible for lost belongings. If you’ve misplaced something, please visit our Lost and Found at the information desk or contact the university's main Lost & Found bureau. Let’s work together to keep the library tidy and ensure that all items are returned to their rightful owners!
Follow the NU Library on your preferred social media platform to stay updated on library news, announcements,
upcoming events, book recommendations, and more!
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel
FAQ: Can I borrow e-readers, scientific calculators (CASIO), laptops, and headphones?
Yes, students can borrow small equipment from the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor; please check the rules:
Yes, students can borrow small equipment from the Circulation Desk on the 2nd floor; please check the rules:
- E-readers and Calculators: These can be borrowed for up to one month, with the option for a single renewal at the Circulation Desk.
- Laptops: These are available only during working hours, and your NU ID card will be held at the desk while you use them.
- Headphones: Borrowing is also limited to working hours and requires leaving your NU ID card at the desk.
Do you have questions? We are happy to help!
Ask the Librarian at the Library Information Desk (Floors 2 & 3, Block 5E) or chat with our virtual librarian, NURIA.
Ask the Librarian at the Library Information Desk (Floors 2 & 3, Block 5E) or chat with our virtual librarian, NURIA.
Authors of this edition
Let's acknowledge the contributors who made this newsletter possible.
- Darya ZvonarevaHead,
Teaching and Learning Support Office - Zhuldyz OrazymbetovaHead,
Patron Services Office - April ManabatSenior Expert Librarian,
Teaching and Learning Support Office - Monika BukowskaSenior Expert Librarian,
Teaching and Learning Support Office - Lazzat ArystanovaSenior Manager,
Library Research Support Office - Madina AbdykaimovaSenior Manager,
Patron Services Office - Dina BaiseitManager,
Patron Services Office - Venera NiyazbayevaManager,
E-Resources Management Office
Visual images are sourced from canva.com and the following links:
Isaac Asimov Interview Video
M. S. Pir: Who Imagines the End of the World?
Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings
KAUM Library
Adebi Portal: Author Profile
Charles Perrault: A Multifaceted Man
Jack London: The Literary Trailblazer
A. A. Milne Biography
Virginia Woolf Biography
Lewis Carroll's Shifting Reputation
Anton Chekhov Biography
Isaac Asimov Interview Video
M. S. Pir: Who Imagines the End of the World?
Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings
KAUM Library
Adebi Portal: Author Profile
Charles Perrault: A Multifaceted Man
Jack London: The Literary Trailblazer
A. A. Milne Biography
Virginia Woolf Biography
Lewis Carroll's Shifting Reputation
Anton Chekhov Biography
